Published on February 7th, 2018 | by Darren Paltrowitz
0Raúl Midón On Hobbies And His GRAMMY-Nominated Album “Bad Ass And Blind”
Although he is widely known as a virtuoso guitarist, Raúl Midón got his start as a session singer for the likes of Shakira, Julio Iglesias, and Jose Feliciano. His debut album, 2005’s State Of Mind, notably featured cameos from Stevie Wonder and Jason Mraz. Midón’s latest full-length is last year’s Bad Ass And Blind, which has received a GRAMMY nomination for Grammy Best Vocal Jazz Album.
On behalf of The Hype Magazine, I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Midón, who can be visited online at www.raulmidon.com.
Bad Ass And Blind was nominated for a GRAMMY Best Vocal Jazz Album. Does getting a GRAMMY nomination for an album give you a lot of validation? Or were you already very pleased with the album?
Raúl Midón: I was very happy with the album. It’s unique, like me. Of course getting the validation of your peers is very meaningful, too!
When in the creative process did you come up with the title Bad Ass And Blind?
Raúl Midón: I came up with the title at the end, and I didn’t have the song on the album yet or written. But when I did, my wife encouraged me to write it — and then a fellow from the label encouraged me to include it!
Is there a followup to Bad Ass And Blind already in the works?
Raúl Midón: Because I built a home studio and have learned how to engineer back in 2008, I’ve got hundreds of tunes recorded. So yes!
A lot of people first found out about you through your appearance in the movie Still Bill. Did you ever collaborate with Bill Withers again after Still Bill came out?
Raúl Midón: No, but he’s a friend and an avid supporter.
Is there a career accomplishment you are still working towards?
Raúl Midón: Always.
When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?
Raúl Midón: Hanging out with my wife and friends, reading and ham radio.
What was the last concert you attended for fun?
Raúl Midón: I just saw two — Christian McBride with Warren Wolf, and Robert Glasper. Both were fantastic.
Finally, Raul, any last words for the kids?
Raúl Midón: Get really good at what you do and live beneath your means.
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